Physicist/astronomer
Detailed description of the career of a physicist/astronomer.
Physicist/Astronomer
1. Describe/define the occupation, including the nature of work (what they do).
Physics can be defined as the science of matter and energy, and of interactions between the two. Physics deals with the physical properties, interactions, processes or laws governing these interactions, consisting of the study of the natural world and phenomena. Physicists want to thoroughly understand how the world works, in every detail and at the deepest level. This includes everything from elementary particles, to nuclei, atoms, molecules, macromolecules, living cells, solids, liquids, gases, plasmas, living organisms, the human brain, complex systems, supercomputers, the atmosphere, planets, stars, galaxies and the universe. They also research subjects such as mechanics, heat, light, sound, electricity, pheumatics, magnetism, and radiation. Physicists study many of today’s important scientific questions, developing new instrumentation, refining measurement techniques, and modeling. With mathematics and chemistry it is commonly known as an ‘enabling science’ because it forms the basis for many of the professional disciplines and, increasingly, in commerce. Astronomers study objects and phenomena which exist or have their origin in outer space. They look for consistent patterns in the information they gather and develop and test theories using mathematical applications.
¨ http://swz.salary.com/salarywizard/layouthtmls/CA/swzl_compresult_state_CA_RD14000011.html
¨ http://www.graduatecareers.com.au/content/view/full/804
2. What are the qualifications for employment in this career area? (list)
§ doctoral, masters, or bachelors degree in physics or astronomy
§ State certification
§ classes of electromagnetism, optics, thermodynamics, atomic physics, and quantum mechanics
§ astronomers need an undergraduate degree in either physics or astronomy then a Ph.D. in astronomy
§ experience in internships, fellowships, or work-study programs in postdoctoral positions
¨ http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos052.htm
3. What training and education (including appropriate college major) are required?
For physicist jobs in basic research or development, a doctoral degree is the usual requirement, and postdoctoral experience helps to get hired. Those with masters degrees cannot have positions in basic research, but they can hold jobs in manufacturing and applied research and development. Bachelor’s degree holders are rarely able to hold researching positions or teach at the college level, but they can work as technicians or research assistants in engineering-related areas or systems analyst or database administrator in computer science. Physicists may want to take classes in economics or business management.
¨ http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos052.htm
¨ http://www.ca.courses-careers.com/physicist.htm
4. What personal qualities are needed to be successful in this career? (list)
§ mathematical ability
§ problem-solving
§ analytic skills
§ inquisitive mind
§ imagination
§ initiative
§ good oral and written communication skills
§ abstract thinking
§ curiosity
§ inventiveness
§ honesty in dealing with data, theory, and colleagues
§ computer skills
§ motivated
§ research skills
§ planning and organizational skills
§ accurately analyze and interpret information
§ think logically
§ patient
¨ http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos052.htm
¨ http://www.graduatecareers.com.au/content/view/full/804
¨ http://www.careers.govt.nz/default.aspx?id0=20103&id1=J26120
5. Describe the job setting and working conditions (where/what environment).
Physicists typically work normal hours in a non dangerous environment; however, those more dedicated to their work may stay up at night working longer than usual. Physicists often work in national or international facilities with unique equipment for their use. Astronomers sometimes have to travel to an observatory for days to gather information watching space. Physicists and astronomers given grant money are usually under pressure to make new discoveries to keep the grant.
¨ http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos052.htm
6. Describe a typical day when working in this career.
A typical day for an astronomer differs greatly each day (and night), but they usually start early. An astronomer may check the latest papers published about new discoveries in astronomy on the internet; then, download the ones of interest. Next, they might finalize a proposal written with colleagues to obtain access to a piece of equipment that needs a strong scientific case because there is competition. A typical trip to a telescope is fun but tiring, staying up every night for about a week. Astronomers teaching postgraduate students may need to check on their progress in the research lab. Making courses for students in astronomy takes a long time and some professors look over their own notes from their days learning astronomy. Most days end on time in order for an astronomer to have a comfortable dinner with their family.
¨ http://ireland.iop.org/activity/careers/A_day_in_the_life/page_18961.html
¨ http://www.noao.edu/education/astfaq.html#ques2
7. What is the salary range? Beginning? Experienced? Nationally? Orange County(monster)?
The average salary for astronomers is $97, 320, and the average for physicists is $87, 450. The median starting salary for a physicist with a doctoral degree is $56, 070. Physicists with doctor’s degrees earn an average of $104, 000, and those with master’s degrees earn a median of $94, 000. Bachelor’s degrees in physics earned about $72, 000 a year. Astronomers with a Ph.D. employed by the government start off with an annual salary of $35, 000-$45, 500. Over time their salary increases to $69, 300-$90, 090. Professors of Astronomy at a four year college or university earn from $30, 000 to over $100, 000. Professors often increase their earning by writing, consulting, or doing research projects. In Orange County, physicists ranked among doctors and lawyers in the top ten median wages per county. In Cypress, the 10th percentile earns an average of $49, 480, 25th percentile earns $52, 109, and the 90th percentile earns $64, 443.
¨ http://www.aip.org/statistics/trends/emp_salary.html
¨ http://swz.salary.com/salarywizard/layoutscripts/swzl_localrangebell.asp?geo=U.S.+National+Averages&jobcode=RD14000011&jobtitle=Physicist+I&narrowdesc=Aerospace+and+Defense&narrowcode=RD01&yearsofexp=&r=salswz_swznatblb_psr&p=050205_psr_495&s=salary&pagenumber=1&paycheckcalc=0&zipcode=90630
8. What is the future employment outlook? Nationally? Orange County?
Employment of physicists and astronomers is expected to grow slower than average because most jobs for physicists are federal research expenditures, and thought the number of these expenditures will increase, the limited funds available will result in competition for jobs among Ph.D. holders. Replacing retired or otherwise leaving physicists in these positions will account for most of the job openings. Also, private industry research in physics will be decreasing to increase research in manufacturing or product and software development. The number of doctorates granted in physics has been greater than the number of job opportunities, resulting in keen competition.
¨ http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos052.htm
9. Why does this occupation/career appeal to you?
While reading a physicist’s job description, the fact that they explore mathematical values in life and the world appealed to me. Reading the classes they are required to take in high school also got me excited because they sounded like interesting courses. I enjoy the aspect of working alone until you have found something to share and then presenting or writing about your discovery. That is often the best way I work in school, solving it myself then helping others with the concept.
10. How did you make your selection?
I chose to research physicist more thoroughly than physician/surgeon or biochemist because it was the one I knew the least about. I have not taken physics yet, and I wanted to know the role of a physicist in the community. Also, the career interested me a little more than the others because of the mystery.
11. Explain and describe how the occupation/career aligns with your VISA, learning style, personality type, and Holland code.
Values
My top value was family, and this job kind of relates to this value because the hours are not irregular, so I would get to be able to spend more time with my family. One of my other top values was intelligence, and by the information I have gathered, physicists seem very intelligent because their job is practically to learn more about energy, matter, and all kinds of other topics.
Interests
Some of my interests include geometry and algebra. On a poster in my geometry teacher’s room there is a list of jobs and which areas of math they needed to know in order to be successful in their career. Under physicists, all of the boxes were checked. I think it was one of the only careers that required every single aspect of every class of mathematics. My interest in math definitely fuels my interest in being a physicist.
Skills
Some of my skills include math, and as I have mentioned before, mathematics is a big part of a physicist’s job.
Attributes
Some of my attributes include being self-motivated and organized, both important for a physicist. I may not be very patient, but I am getting better at it. I have a very curious mind and once I am working on a problem or question, it annoys me when I do not find the answer.
Learning Style
I am a visual learner, and this type of learning relates to astronomers because they observe objects in outer space, but physicists need to be more kinesthetic learners while doing experiments.
Personality Type
My personality type was sociable, which includes character traits like generosity, kindness, responsibility, understanding, and cooperation. This type does not relate to my career as a physicist, but I guess physicists must present or write their discoveries to others so it is a little sociable. Astronomers must also work with their colleagues to make proposals and use telescopes in observatories.
Holland Code
My Holland Code type was helper, and some suggested careers were clergy, lawyer, counselor, teacher, or speech therapist. My second Holland Code type was a Creator taking on careers of musician, composer, writer, interior designer, or actress. When I first took the Holland Code test, I did not agree with the results, and neither did my career choice.
12. What are the advantages and benefits related to this career?
Being a physicist has many benefits such as making new discoveries directly related to real life. Their pay is fairly good, and their working environment is exciting without being dangerous.
¨ http://hps.org/publicinformation/hpcareers.html
13. What are the disadvantages and “negatives” related to this career?
Physicists must take a long time researching, experimenting, and hypothesizing discoveries in physics, and sometimes all of it amounts to nothing. The career could also be boring after so much relentless physics. Astronomers must travel to observatories and stress about keeping their grants, but I believe the advantages greatly outnumber the benefits.
14. Why do you feel you would be good/successful at this job/career?
As I stated before, I am good at geometry and algebra; also, I work hard and enjoy both science and math. I have excelled in academics, and I am certain I can be successful in a career involving my favorite subjects. I will know more on my interest in being a physicist after I have taken physics my junior year in high school.
15. Additional information you would like to include.
The work of physicists and astronomers relates closely to that of engineers, chemists and materials scientists, atmospheric scientists, environmental scientists, geoscientists, computer systems analysts, computer scientists and database administrators, computer programmers, and mathematicians.
Also, many physicists around the world have been featured on currency. Allesandro Volta is on the Italian10, 000 Lire note for constructing the first chemical battery. Albert Einstein appeared on the Israeli 5 pound note. The greatest physicist of the twentieth century, Einstein not only invented the theories of relativity, but made valuable contributions to the beginnings of quantum theory. The famous Isaac Newton was on the British one pound note.
¨ http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos052.htm
¨ http://www2.physics.umd.edu/~redish/Money/
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